Section Menu

Major Requirements

The Adolescence Education programs offer students seeking teacher certification in New York State two options. First, they may choose initial certification in their major content area for grades 7-12, with a grades 5-6 extension in the subject area of the initial certificate. Second, students interested in special education may choose the dual certification option and complete the program leading to certification in their content area (7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist.

The comprehensive programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning, including field experiences in area classrooms where students observe, participate, and learn effective teaching methods. The degree requires a minimum of 124 semester hours with 60 semester hours in Liberal Arts (for definition of Liberal Arts, see the Educational Programs section). A cumulative grade point average of 2.7 is required for student teaching and for graduation. Grades of no less than C in all major courses are required for certification. These undergraduate programs lead to initial teaching certification in one of the following subject areas:

Specific general education and content core courses are suggested for use in the programs depending upon one’s major. Consult the appropriate department for a comprehensive list of requirements for the degree.

Pedagogical Core Requirements: (38 semester hours for Adolescence Education in 7-12 subject area) with a 5-6 extension in the subject area of the initial certification:

EDU 185 Education in a Changing World (3);

EDU 195 Foundations of Special Education (3);

EDU 195 OPE*-25 hours (0);

EDU 235 Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment I (3);

EDU 260 Learning & Development in Early Adolescence (3);

EDU 294 Integrated Literacy Practices Across the Curriculum (3);

EDU 357 Literacy in Adolescent Classrooms (3);

EDU 357 OPE*-25 hours (0);

EDU 360 Creating Inclusive Learning Communities (3);

EDU 360 OPE*-25 hours (0);

EDU 385 Secondary Content Methods (3);

EDU 385 OPE*-25 hours (0);

EDU 402A & 402B Student Teaching (6 + 6);

EDU 442 Adolescence Education Student Teaching Seminar (2);

Training in Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment;

Training in School Violence Prevention and Intervention;

Autism Training; and

Training in Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention (DASA)

* OPE means Observation/Participation Experience (Fieldwork)

Students must register for OPE concurrently with course of same number, e.g., EDU 385 and EDU 385 OPE.